• AS 



^\ 



iMued November 6, 1911. 

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 

Ll.--. BUREAU OF SOILS. 

MILTON WHITNEY. CHIEF. 



DESCRIPTIONS OF SOIL TYPES ESTABLISHED AND 
CHANGES IN CLASSIFICATION SINCE THE PUBLICA- 
TION OF BULLETIN 78. 



CHANGES IN CLASSIFICATION. 

Transfer of the Berks series from the Piedmont Plateau province 
to the Appalachian Mountain and Plateau province. 

Transfer of the Montalto series from the Appalachian Mountain 
and Plateau province to the Piedmont Plateau province. 

The soil mapped as Oktibbeha silt loam in Oktibbeha County, 
Miss., has been changed to Pheba silt loam. 

The soil mapped as Alamance silt loam in Alamance County, X. C., 
and now known as York silt loam, has been changed back to the Ala- 
mance silt loam, as originally mapped. 

The soil mapped as Cecil stony loam in Adams County, Pa., has 
been changed to Montalto stony loam. 

NEW TYPES ESTABLISHED. 

ATLANTIC AND GLTLF COASTAL PLAINS PROVINCE. 



Scranton sand. — The surface soil consists of 3 or 4 inches of ashy 
to dark-gray sand, usually grading into sand of a coffee-brown color. 
The subsoil, beginning at depths ranging from 8 to 12 inches, is a 
white medium textured sand, compact and usually saturated with 
water. The surface is quite rich in organic matter. Saw Palmetto 
is a conspicuous plant. The type occurs as poorly drained flat areas 
near streams or "bays," and requires ditching to fit it for cultiva- 
tion. It occupies an intermediate position between the Norfolk and 
the Portsmouth sand. Keclaimed areas give rather poor results with 
cotton, but better yields of corn and oats. (Bullock County, Ga.) 
9426°— 11 1 



2 DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SOIL TYPES. n g 

Scranton loamy sand. — This type consists of a dark-gray to black 
sand or loamy sand rich in organic matter, resting, at an average 
depth of about 10 inches, on a compact light-yellow material of about 
the same texture as the soil. This is in turn underlain at 20 to 30 
inches by light-yellow sticky sand to sandy clay, sometimes slightly 
mottled with drab and red. The surface is flat and the underdrain- 
age poor, the subsoil being nearly, or quite, saturated throughout a 
good part of the year. Ditching is necessary to bring the land into 
proper condition for cultivation. With moderate fertilization a 
bale of cotton per acre has been secured. Sea-Island cotton makes a 
rank growth, but yields rather lightly. Corn does quite well, as do 
also sugar cane and a number of vegetables. (Bullock County, Ga.) 

FINE SANDS. 

Bienville fine sand. — This type consists of a surface soil of light 
yellowish gray medium to find sand 8 inches deep, underlain to a 
depth of 36 inches by orange-colored sand. It occurs as low ridges 
in the alluvial bottom lands, but is not subject to overflow. The 
topography is almost level. Very little of this type is cultivated. 
It should prove a valuable soil for early truck. (Ellis County, Tex.) 

Susquehanna fine sand. — The surface soil, to an average depth of 
about 24 inches, is a rather loose fine sand, gray in the immediate 
surface portion and pale yellow below. The subsoil is a reddish to 
mottled, red, yellow, drab, and gray plastic clay. The type gen- 
erally occurs on the crests of ridges and knolls. The natural drain- 
age is excessive. With heavy fertilization and the incorporation of 
large quantities of organic matter fair crops of cotton, corn, and 
forage are secured. Melons, sweet potatoes, and a number of other 
vegetables do well. (Lauderdale County, Miss.) 

SANDY LOAMS. 

Rnston sandy loam: — The surface soil, to a depth of about G to 
15 inches, consists of a gray loamy sand. The subsoil is a fairly 
friable yellowish-red sandy clay, the color being intermediate be- 
tween the red of the Orangeburg and the yellow of the Norfolk soils. 
Iron concretions and ironstone fragments are encountered here and 
there on the surface and throughout the subsoil. The surface is 
predominately rolling, probably averaging rougher than either 
Orangeburg or Norfolk areas. Grayish mottling is sometimes en- 
countered in the lower portion of the subsoil and frequently the 
subsoil is less friable than that of the Orangeburg or Norfolk soils. 
The type is adapted to about the same crops as the Norfolk sandy 
loam, but gives usually somewhat lighter yields. Cotton, corn, pea- 
nuts, and forage crops give good results under careful treatment. 
(Pike County, Ala.) ,,- ^ , 



^ ATLANTIC AND GULF COASTAL PLAINS. 3 

^> Greenville coarse sandy loam. — The surface soil of this type varies 
'^ from a coarse loamy sand to a heavy sandy loam, the immediate 
^- surface portion usually being much coarser than the subsurface. In 
color there is a range from dull reddish brown to a pronounced 
reddish brown. The subsoil is a dark reddish brown to dark-red 
sandy clay of a rather stiff, firm structure and a remarkable capacity 
for holding moisture. The topography varies from undulating on 
interstream divides to sloping along the descents to streams. In 
the latter situation the soil loses the series characteristics and be- 
comes more like the Orangeburg soil. "With good drainage and 
power to hold moisture this is a soil of high agricultural value, 
especially when the coarse texture of the surface soil is taken into 
consideration. Much of this land has been in cultivation 50 years or 
more, and is still producing good yields of cotton, corn, oats, cowpeas, 
and sorghum. (Pike County, Ala.) 

Hojfinan coarse samh/ loam. — The surface soil is a gray coarse 
sand, carrying generally considerable quantities of small gravel. The 
subsoil is a rather stiff sandy clay, mottled bright red^ white, and 
drab. The type occurs mainly as small knolls. On account of its 
open character it does not hold moisture well and only moderate 
yields can be expected except where heavy applications of fertilizers 
and organic manures are used. (Bullock County, Ga.) 

FINK SANDY LOAMS. 

Hojfman fne sa^uhj loam. — The surface soil consists of a light-gray 
to yellowish fine sand to loamy fine sand from 12 to 15 inches deep. 
The subsoil is a rather stiff, plastic sandy clay, distinctly mottled 
purplish and pinkish red, gray, and yellow. Some pebbles and frag- 
ments of iron-cemented sandstone occur here and there. The topog- 
raphy is somewhat broken, being usually rougher than that of the 
Norfolk fine sandy loam. The type is generally considered a rather 
poor soil, although with careful handling much of it gives fairly 
good results with cotton, corn, peanuts, sAveet potatoes, cowpeas, and 
velvet beans. (Bullock County, Ga.) 

Ph'Cha -fine sandy loam.,. — The surface soil is a gray to light-brown 
fine sandy loam from 6 to 10 inches deep. The subsoil is a yellowish- 
brown heavy fine sandy loam, gi'adually passing into fine sandy clay 
or silty clay. The lower subsoil is usually mottled with reddish- 
3^ellow and gray colors. A heavy clay substratum is encountered at 
3 to 6 feet. The surface is flat to gently rolling or undulating. Ditch- 
ing is necessary in some of the more nearly level areas. The type is 
deficient in organic matter. Cotton, corn, peanuts, oats, rye, cowpeas, 
soybeans, and sorghum give very good results with proper treatment. 
(Noxubee County, Miss.) 



4 DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SOIL TYPES. 

Plummer fine sandy loam. — The surface soil is a gray loamy fine 
sand sometimes faintly mottled with brown. At 8 to 18 inches a 
compact loamy fine sand, gray or streaked with brownish or yellowish 
colors, is encountered. Below this is found a mottled gray and yellow 
fine sandy clay or sticky fine sand, with pockets or layers of yellowish 
plastic fine sandy clay. On account of its flat surface and low posi- 
tion the type is usually poorly drained. Cypress, pine, and cabbage 
palmetto constitute the main timber growth. The soil is typically 
developed in the flatwoods country of the Coastal Plains. Veiy 
little has been utilized for farming, but with drainage oats, corn, and 
sugar cane would probably give good results. Vegetables, especially 
onions, lettuce, and cabbage, would also prove profitable. (Jackson- 
ville area, Fla.) 

The soils of the Plummer series belong in the key to the soils of the 
Coastal Plains province, under the heading: Piedmont- Appalachian 
Material — Drainage poorly established — Gray soil (attached to the 
Lufkin leg) — Gray subsoil mottled with yellowish streaks — Pockets 
and layers of clay material common to lower subsoil — Flatwoods of 
Atlantic and East Gulf Coastal Plains. 

Durant very fine sandy loam. — This soil type consists of a yellow- 
ish-brown very fine sandy loam, underlain by a pale yellowish gray 
very fine sandy loam slightly heavier than the surface soil. The soil 
varies in texture from a heavy very fine sandy loam to light loam. 
Thin layers of limestone occur throughout the type and J^ragments 
of this rock are occasionally scattered over the surface. The topog- 
raphy is broken and hilly, as the surface is cut by numerous 
V-shaped valleys. Little of this type is vmder cultivation. The 
greater part is used for grazing, for which purpose it is best adapted. 
The areas are generally too hilly and badly eroded for tillage. 
(Ellis County, Tex.) 

SILT LOAM. 

Ruston silt loam. — The soil of this type to an average depth of 
about 7 inches is a gray to grayish-brown silt loam. In places the 
content of very fine sand is high. The subsoil is a yellowish-red to 
dull-red silt loam, grading quickly into a silty clay loam. In the 
lower subsoil the material is mottled with gray and the structure is 
slightly plastic. The type occupies undulating to gently sloping or 
gently rolling country. With moderate applications of fertilizers 
and organic manures cotton, corn, oats, and forage crops give good 
yields. (Lauderdale County, Miss.) 

CLAY LOAMS. 

Greenville grwvclly clay loam. — The surface soil to a depth of 4 or 
5 inches is reddish-brown heavy sandy loam with sufficient clay to 
impart the Avorking qualities of a friable clay loam. In places the 



ATLANTIC AND GULF COASTAL PLAINS. 5 

texture is decidedly a clay loam. The subsoil is a reddish or dark- 
red sandy clay, frequently becoming heavier with increase in depth. 
Iron concretions are abundant over the surface, in the soil, and less 
so in the subsoil. The surface configuration ranges from undulating 
lo gently rolling, giving good surface drainage without destructive 
erosion. Cotton, corn, oats, rye, and forage crops give ver}^ good 
results. (Sumter County, Ga.) 

CLAYS. 

Durant clay. — This soil consists of inches of dark-brown to almost * 
black clay. The subsoil from 8 to 3G inches is a stiff, heavy, pale yel- 
lowish-drab or sometimes dark-bluish clay. Scattered over the sur- 
face and throughout the soil and subsoil are lime concretions or 
gravel. The type is derived from marly clays of the Eagle Ford 
formation. The topography varies from level to gently rolling. 
Cotton yields one-third to three-quarters bale per acre, corn 30 to 40 
bushels, and oats 40 to 50 bushels. (Ellis County, Tex.) 

Ellis clay. — This soil, to a depth of 6 inches, is a 3'ellowish-brown 
clay. The subsoil is a yellowish heavy plastic clay to a depth of 3 
feet or more. In many places there are scattered over the surface 
and through the soil and subsoil fragments of hard, brown limestone. 
The soil is very sticky and plastic when wet and bakes on drying. 
The surface features vary from rolling to hilly or even broken. 
The broken areas are badly eroded. The type is derived from the 
marly clays of the Eagle Ford formation and from the Taylor marl. 
Because of the difficulty of cultivation, owing to the heavy texture 
and uneven surface, the greater proportion of the type is not culti- 
vated. It is better suited to cotton than to any other crop, yielding 
from one-quarter to one-half bale per acre. (Ellis County, Tex.) 

The proper place for the Ellis series in the key to the soils of the 
Coastal Plains province is under the heading " Calcareous material," 
attached to the drainage well established leg, as follows: Yellowish- 
brown soil — Yellow subsoil — Derived from marly clays — Surface 
hilly. 

Phcha clay. — The surface soil consists of 8 inches of light -brown 
clay or silty cla3^ Over this there occasionally is a shallow covering 
of fine sandy material. The subsoil is a rather plastic clay of 
brownish or yellowish color, mottled at lower depths with gray. 
The surface drainage of the flatter areas is frequently poor. The 
type is usually deficient in organic matter and is inclined to bake. 
It is best adapted to wheat, grass, and forage crops. Cotton, corn, 
and oats give fair returns. (Noxubee County, Miss.) 

Henderson stony clay. — This type consists of a surface soil of 
greenish-gray, sticky clay, carrying varying proportions of frag- 
mental limestone. There usually is a thin mantle of fine sand over 



6 DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SOIL TYPES. 

the surface of the less stony areas. The subsoil is very heavy and 
tenacious. In the lower part the decomposed limestone or a marly 
material occurs. The soil is derived from Tertiar}^ limestone. It 
has not been seen under cultivation, and probably would prove of 
low agricultural value on account of the intractable character of the 
material. (Pike County, Ala.) 

The Henderson series belongs in the key to the Coastal Plains 
province as a leg attached to the Sumter soils, under the heading 
" Calcareous material," drainage well established, as follows : Yellow 
soil — Greenish-gray, sticky subsoil — Weathered limestone fragments 
and marly material abundant. 

II oust on stony clay.— This type consists of 4 to 15 inches of dark- 
brown or black clay, underlain by chalky wdiite limestone. Lime- 
stone fragments of varying size are scattered over the surface. The 
type is eroded, and small outcrops of the parent rock are frequently 
seen on the hillsides and on the summits of knolls. Owing to the 
shallow soil the type does not stand drought well, and the yields 
depend largely upon the season. In years of normal rainfall good 
crops of cotton, corn, wheat, and oats are secured. (Ellis County, 
Tex.) 

Lauderdale stony clay. — This type consists of a j'ellow to nearly 
white, stiff clay carrying on the surface and throughout the soil 
to 3G inches from 25 to 60 per cent of stone fragments, consisting of 
rather soft white to yellowish or reddish siliceous rock, of locally 
cemented reddish sandstone, and of a hard siliceous rock resembling 
quartzite. There is no distinct line of demarcation between soil and 
subsoil. The type is derived from the Tallahatta buhrstone forma- 
tion of the Claibourne stage. The type is locally called '' white hills " 
and " white rock land." It chiefly occupies the crests of narrow, 
high, winding ridges and the tops of hills, though occasionally de- 
veloped on lower slopes. The topography is too rough for profitable 
farming. (Lauderdale County, Miss.) 

The Lauderdale series belongs in the Coastal Plains province 
under the heading: Piedmont-Appalachian material — Drainage well 
established — Gray soils — Mottled tenacious clay subsoil (changed to 
subsoils plastic). Here it will connect as a separate leg — Subsoil 
w^hite — Residual from soft, siliceous, gray rock (Claibourne forma- 
tion). 

SUBORDINATE TYPES. 

Sumter stony sandy loam. — The surface soil, with a depth of about 
5 to 12 inches, is a yellowish-gray to yellow sandy loam. The sub- 
soil is principally composed of partially weathered limestone of the 
Vicksburg-Jackson formation, the interstitial material being a yel- 
lowish sandy clay. The surface is strewn with limestone and chert 



PIEDMONT PLATEAU. 7 

frag-ments. These fragments also are usually so plentiful as to inter- 
fere materially with cultivation. The type occupies ridges and 
slopes where erosion has exposed the underlying rock. Cultivated 
areas give good yields of the general farm crops. Peaches do es- 
pecially well. (Sumter County, Ga.) 

The position of the Sumter series in the key to the soils of the 
Coastal Plains is as follows: Calcareous material — Drainage well es- 
tablished — A third leg reading: Yellow soil — Yellow subsoil — Frag- 
ments of weathered Vicksburg-Jacks(>n limestone common. 

Susqnelianna stony samhj loam. — The surface soil is a grayish or 
grayish-brown medium to coarse sand to sandy loam. The subsoil 
is usually a still', plastic red or reddish-yellow clay, with little sand. 
It is often mottled with gray. In places the lower subsoil is com- 
posed of a reddish micaceous sand with very little clay. The type 
is characterized by its rough topography and the presence of an 
abundance of ironstone and ferruginous gravel on the surface. It 
has little value except for Bermuda pasturage. (Pike County, Ala.) 

Greencille coarHe sand. — The surface soil is a brown to reddish- 
brown coarse loamy sand of more coherent structure than the Norfolk 
and Orangeburg coarse sand. The subsoil is usually very similar 
to the soil in texture, averaging a little lighter. It has usually a 
brighter red color than the surface soil. The type is often typically 
developed on the lower slopes of divides on which the heavier mem- 
bers of the Greenville series occur. For such a coarse textured soil, 
the agricultural value is surprisingly high. This is due largely to a 
greater power of conserving moisture than less ferruginous, lighter 
colored coarse sands. This soil is not well adapted to general farm 
crops, but cotton and oats give fair results. AVatermelons. sweet 
potatoes, and a number of vegetables do particularly well. 

PIEDMONT PLATEAU PROVINCE. 

SOUTHERN PIEDMONT. 

Durliam, fne sandy loam. — The surface soil is a gray to yellowish 
fine to medium sandy loam, 8 to 10 inches deep. The subsoil is a 
friable yellow fine sandy clay. The topography is predominately 
undulating to gently rolling and the drainage is good. The type is 
derived principally from fine-grained granite and giieiss. It is 
well suited to bright tobacco, peanuts, sweet and Irish potatoes, gar- 
den peas, cowpeas, crimson clover, watermelons, and cantaloupes. 
With fertilization rye, corn, oats, and cotton give fair to good 
yields. (Granville County, N. C.) 

Mecklenburg ^andy loam. — The surface soib to a depth of 6 to 12 
inches, consists of a dark-brown to reddish-brown light loam to 
sandy loam. The subsoil is a yellowish-brown to oclierous-yellow, 



8 DESCRIPTIONS OP NEW SOIL TYPES. 

heavy, plastic, impervious clay, underlain at 20 to 36 inches by dis- 
integrated rock of the parent diorite, micadiorite, gabbrodiorite, or 
metagabbro. Hardwoods, principally oak and hickory, constitute 
the chief growth of forested areas. Under ordinary methods of cul- 
tivation corn yields from 15 to 30 bushels per acre and oats from 15 to 
40 bushels. Wheat, cowpeas, and soy beans do fairly well. (Cabar- 
rus County, X. C.) 

The position of the Mecklenburg series in the key to the Southern 
Piedmont Plateau province is as follows : Igneous and metamorphic 
rocks — Diorite and diabase — Red soils — Yellow plastic subsoils — 
Disintegrated rock substratum. 

Iredell loam. — This type consists of light-brown heavy fine sandy 
loam to light loam, 4 to 8 inches deep, underlain by a yellowish- 
brown, impervious, Avaxy, sticky clay, passing at 20 to 30 inches into 
disintegrated rock. Black iron concretions are common over the 
surface and throughout the soil. The topography is flat or undu- 
lating to gently rolling. Surface drainage is good, except in the 
more nearly level areas, which need ditching. The type is derived 
chiefly from diorite. Blackjack oak is a prominent tree, although 
other oaks, some cedar, and old-field pine are seen. The type is 
highly prized for oats, cotton, wheat, corn, and grasses. (Cabarrus, 
Granville, and Mecklenburg Counties, N. C.) 

MecJdenhurg loam. — The surface soil consists of 6 to 8 inches of 
reddish-brown to red loam or light loam. The subsoil is a yellowish- 
brown or ocherous j^ellow plastic, tenacious clay, becoming more fri- 
able at a depth of 24 to 30 inches, owing to the presence of fragments 
of the parent rock. A mass of disintegrated rock is usually encoun- 
tered within the 3-foot section. In places the subsoil resembles that 
of the Iredell soils, giving a section somewhat the appearance of 
Cecil material over Iredell. The topography is usually undulating 
to gentl}^ rolling and the surface drainage good. The characteristic 
timber growth is white, red, post, and blackjack oak, with consid- 
erable hickory and a sprinkling of cedar and pine. The type is well 
adapted to corn, cotton, oats, wheat, grass, and forage crops. From 
15 to 30 bushels of corn, 15 to 40 bushels of oats, and from one-half 
to 1 bale of cotton per acre are ordinary yields. (Mecklenburg 
County, N. C.) 

Alamanee silt loam. — This type consists of a yellowish-gray to 
white, floury, rather compact silt loam, 6 or 8 inches in depth, over- 
lying a pale yellow heavy silt loam, which quickly grades into a 
rather dense yellow silty clay. Fragments of the parent rock are 
scattered over the surface, sometimes in sufficient abundance to de- 
velop patches of slate loam. The subsoil does not have the greasy 
feel that is frequently noticed in the subsoil of the York soils. The 



PIEDMONT PLATEAU. 9 

tyi^e occupies nearly flat to rolling topography. White oak, post 
oak, blackjack oak, and pine constitute the principal vegetation. 
The soil is Ioav in organic matter and is inclined to compact. It is 
considered an excellent grain soil, and when properly supplied with 
A-egetable matter and moderately fertilized good yields of corn, cot- 
ton, and forage crops are secured. (Cabarrus, Granville, and 
Mecklenburg Counties, N. C.) 

GeorgevWc siJt loam. — The surface soil is a reddish-brown, rather 
heavy silt loam, 4 to 8 inches deep. The subsoil is a red heavy clay, 
underlain to about 30 inches by partially decomposed rock, which 
in turn is underlain by hard bed rock at depths of 40 to 50 inches. 
The type is derived from slate rocks closely related to those giving 
the Alamance soils. The reddish color is believed to be due to the 
higher content of iron-bearing minerals. The topography is very 
undulating to broken along streams. The timber growth consists 
principally of oak. hickory, dogwood, and pine. This is a better 
agricultural soil than the Alamance silt loam. It is well suited to 
oats, wheat, corn, and forage crops. Cotton matures late and is 
sometimes killed by frost. (Cabarrus and Granville Counties, N. C.) 

The Georgeville series belongs in the key to the soils of the South- 
ern Piedmont. It should be attached to the Alamance series leg — 
Carolina slates — Reddish-brown soil and red subsoil. 

Mecklenhrirg day loam. — The surface soil consists of reddish-brown 
to red loam to clay loam, with an average depth of 8 inches. The 
subsoil is a yellowish-brown or ocherous-yellow. stiff, plastic clay. 
At 18 to 24 inches the partially decomposed parent rock is encoun- 
tered. Iron concretions occasionally occur on the surface. The 
topography varies from undulating to gently rolling. Along stream 
slopes it is sometimes slightly broken. Drainage is good, except in 
some of the more nearly level areas. AVliite, post, red, and black- 
jack oak, hickory, pine, and cedar constitute the usual forest growth. 
Cotton yields from one-half to 1 bale per acre; corn, from 20 to 40 
bushels; oats, from 20 to 40 bushels; and wheat, 12 to 20 bushels per 
acre. Clover, vetch, soy beans, cowpeas, and Johnson grass do well. 
(Mecklenburg and Cabarrus Counties, N. C.) 

Alamance slate loam. — The surface soil, to an average depth of about 
8 inches, consists of a gray to nearly white silt loam, to which numer- 
ous small fragments of slate rock impart a gritty feel. In some places 
there is a thin layer of yellow silty clay subsoil, but usuall}'- the gray 
silt loam soil is underlain by the slate. Fragments of this rock up 
to an inch or more in diameter are present in the soil in sufficient 
quantities to interfere materially with cultivation. The topography 
varies from gently rolling to rolling or sometimes broken. Much of 
the type is covered with valuable forest, consisting principally of 
9426°— 11 2 



10 DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SOIL TYPES. 

oak, pine, and hickory. Owing to the rolling topography, open 
structure, and the proximity of bed rock to the surface the drainage 
is usually excessive. The average yields are low, but where the soil 
is less slaty and the depth to underlying rock deeper than normal 
moderate yields of cotton, wheat, corn, and oats are secured. Cer- 
tain varieties of apples, pears, and peaches do well. (Cabarrus 
County, N. C.) 

Iredell stony loam.—T\\Q surface soil of this type consists of 6 
inches of greenish-brown loam. The subsoil is somewhat variable 
but is prevailingly a yellowish-brown silty clay loam, quickly pass- 
ing into a plastic, sticky reddish-yellow heavy clay, which in turn 
grades into greenish-brown material of like character. At about 24 
inches partially decomposed greenish rock is found. Fragments of 
schistose rocks, of diorite, and sometimes of quartz are scattered over 
the surface and disseminated throughout the soil in sufficient quan- 
tities to hinder cultivation. Rock outcrops are also frequent. The 
type is derived from andesite, altered andesite, and diorite. Of the 
crops ordinarily grown, wheat, oats, and grass give the best results. 
(Granville County, N. C.) 

NORTHERN PIEDMONT. 

COARSE SAND. 

Granville coarse sandy loam. — The surface soil is a grayish coarse 
sandy loam, which usually at a depth of about 5 inches becomes pale 
yellow in color and slightly hea\aer in texture. The subsoil is a 
yellow sand}^ clay, sometimes mottled with gray and occasionally 
including, especially in the lower depths, a plastic clay of Indian 
red color. A typical section is very similar to that of the Durham 
coarse sandy loam, though differing in the frequent occurrence of 
Indian red and grayish colored clay in the lower subsoil. The sub- 
soil also is somewhat more plastic than that of the Durham coarse 
sandy loam. Galled spots, representing areas from which the surface 
soil has been washed off, are of common occurrence. In such areas 
the soil is usually a plastic clay, of Indian-red or grayish color. The 
topography is gently undulating to rolling or slightly hilly, and the 
drainage good to excessive. The type is derived from Triassic sand- 
stone. The agricultural value is about the same as that of the Dur- 
ham coarse sandy loam. Good yields of a fine grade of bright yellow 
tobacco are secured. Corn, oats, peanuts, sweet and Irish potatoes, 
forage crops, and a number of vegetables do well. (Granville 
County, N. C.) 

The soils of the Granville series belong in the key to the soils of the 
Piedmont Plateau province. They fall under '" yellow subsoil " of 
the Lansdale leg, by adding " deep subsoil, mottled gray and Indian 
red (Penn material) — Granville." 



GLACIAL AND LOESSIAL. H 

GLACIAL AND LOESSIAL PROVINCE. 



Miami sand. — The soil is a yellowish to brownish-gray medium 
sand, about 8 inches deep, underlain by lighter colored, loose, inco- 
herent sand of the same texture. Comparatively little stone occurs 
in this type, though a small quantity of cobbles and gravel is found 
in local areas. The topograpliy is usually rolling and sometimes 
hilly. The type occurs not infrequently in the form of moraines. 
The drainage is so free as to make the soil droughty and the agri- 
cultural value is consequently lower than in the case of the Miami 
types of finer texture. In moist seasons such crops as rye, corn, and 
potatoes produce fair yields. (Waukesha County, Wis.) 

SANDY LOAMS. 

Plainfield sandy loam. — The surface soil of this type is a broAvn 
loamy sand to sandy loam, 10 or 18 inches deep. The subsoil becomes 
lighter in color and somewhat coarser in texture as depth increases 
and at about oO inches is usually a yellow sand possessing but little 
coherency. The matei'ial often extends to depths of many feet. For 
the most part it has Ijeen laid down by rushing glacial waters rather 
than as j^resent-day alluvium, and occurs in l)road filled-in valleys 
along the streams and as glacial outwash in the glaciated region of 
the Great Lakes and also in the driftless area of Wisconsin. It has 
a level to slightly undulating topogi-aphy. While subirrigated the 
soil is now above all overflow. It produces light yields of corn, hay, 
rye, and some of the other general farm crops. Dairying is an 
important industry on some of the type. (ToAva County, Wis.) 

FINE SANDY LOAMS. 

Plain-field fne samhj loam. — The surface soil varies from yellowish 
to brow^nish in color. In texture it is a line sandy loam. It extends 
to a depth of about 10 inches. The subsoil is usually somewhat 
looser and coarser than the overlying soil, and small gravel is usually 
present. The type occurs as nearly level to gently undulating out- 
wash plains, the materials forming which are often many feet in 
depth. The underdrainage is free. In sea.sons of a moderate amount 
of moisture the type produces fair crops of potatoes, corn, and other 
general farm crops. (Waukesha County, Wis.) 



Fannlngton loam. — This type consists of a light-brown silt loam, 
from 6 to 10 inches deep, resting upon thin-bedded shaly limestone. 
The shallow soil contains more or less angular fragments of lime- 
stone, together with a small percentage of glacial gravel and stones, 
though the possibilities of cultivation are rather more dependent 



12 DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SOIL TYPES. 

upon the depth to the limestone than upon the presence of loose stone. 
The topography is nearly level and drainage is good. The type occu- 
pies valley positions where a large part of the glacial material origi- 
nally present has been swept away by glacial streams. The soil is 
partly residual. This type is Avell adapted to potatoes, beans, corn, 
oats, and clover, depending upon the depth to the underlying rock. 
(Ontario County, N. Y.) 

The Farming-ton series belongs in the Glacial and Loessial province, 
under the heading, " Thin glacial material," and under the subdi- 
vision, " Limestone material "" — '' shaly limestone," attached to the 
pendant under " light-brown soil " — substratum of limestone. 

Plairifeld loam. — This type consists of a light-brown medium loam, 
about 10 inches deep, underlain by a yellowish or yellowish-brown 
subsoil of slightly heavier texture, containing a small quantity of 
sand and fine gravel. The gravel content increases below 18 inches, 
and the subsoil frequently grades into a gravel bed. The type is 
easy to cultivate and the presence of the underlying gravel gives good 
drainage. In prolonged dry seasons crops are liable to suffer some- 
what from lack of w^ater, but in seasons of normal rainfall the type 
is a good general purpose soil and is particularly well adapted to 
corn and potatoes. The topography varies from level to somewhat 
undulating. (Waukesha County, Wis.) 

SILT LOAMS. 

Plain-field silt loam. — This type consists of a light-gray to light- 
brown silt loam, varying from S to 12 inches in depth, underlain by 
n yellowish-brown heavy silt loam or clay loam subsoil. At from 
about 18 inches to 3 feet fine gravel is usually found. This under- 
lying gravel provides good subdrainage. so that the soil can be 
cultivated under a rather wide range of moisture conditions. The 
topography varies from nearly level to somewhat undulating and 
the type usually forms outwash plains. It is a fairly good general 
farming soil and produces moderate yields of ordinary crops, includ- 
ing grains, root crops, etc. (Waukesha County, Wis.) 

SUBORDINATE TYPES. 

Miami gravel. — The Miami gravel consists of a gray to brown 
gravelly loam or slightly sandy loam. Cobblestones, gravel, and 
bowlders form a large percentage of the material. The coarser mate- 
rial is made up of a variety of angular and sometimes rounded frag- 
ments of granitic or gneissic rocks and of limestone. The topography 
is usually hummocky and often quite largely formed of the rounded 
hills and knolls of moraines. In many localities the type is subject 
to considerable erosion and the agricultural uses are limited. Its 
principal value is for pasturage. (Waukesha County, Wis.) 



GLACIAL LAKE AND RIVER TERRACE. 13 

Miami gravelly sandy luani.—Thiii type is a light-brown to grayish- 
brown sandy loam, containing a small quantity of fine and medium 
sized gravel and stone, underlain by a subsoil containing enough clay 
to make it slightly sticky. The soil proper has a depth of about 10 
inches. At 18 to 24 inches the gravel content increases and there are 
not infrequently numerons cobblestones and bowlders. The topog- 
raphy varies from nndulating to rolling and somewhat hilly. The 
surface drainage is always good. Some artificial drainage is neces- 
sary in localities where the subsoil is heaviest and the stone content 
least. The type is subject to some erosion. It is a very fair soil. 
Oats and rye are well adapted to the type. Clover is one of the more 
important crops. (Waukesha County, Wis.) 

Waxkesha ymvelly loam. — This type consists of a brownish to 
black loam, 8 or 10 inches deep, resting upon a subsoil somewhat 
lighter in color and containing more fine gravel and sand. At a 
depth of 18 inches to 2 feet the gravel increases in quantity, often 
occurring as beds showing marked stratification. The topography 
varies from level to undulating or slightly rolling. The type is best 
adapted to such crops as rye and oats, though in seasons of consider- 
able rainfall corn gives fair yields. (AVaukesha County, Wis.) 

GLACIAL LiVKE AND KH EK 'raRRACE PROVINCE. 
SANDY LOAMS. 

Clienmigo .sandy loam. — This type consists of light-brown sandy 
loam, about (> inches deep, overlying a yellowish-brown somewhat 
incoherent sandy loam or loamy sand. Small gravel is found at the 
surface and in the subsoil. The type occupies stream terraces above 
danger of overfloAv. and is well suited to the production of truck 
crops and small fruit. (Erie County, Pa.) 

LOAMS. 

Chenanqo loam. — The Chenanao loam is characterized bv a lio-ht- 
brown or reddish-brown loam soil, about 8 inches deep, underlain by 
a somewhat lighter and occasionally mottled loam or silty loam sub- 
soil. F'ine shale fragments and rounded gra\el occur in the soil 
and subsoil. The type is found on stream terraces. The gravel in 
the subsoil usually makes the type well drained. The flatter areas 
are sometimes improved by tiling. This is a good soil for general 
farm crops and for cabbage and potatoes. Fruit does well where 
topographic and climatic conditions are suitable. (Erie County, Pa.) 

SILT LOAMS. 

Chenango silt loam. — This type consists of about 9 inches of brown 
silt loam, overlying a silt loam or silty clay loam subsoil of somewhat 



14 DESCRIPTTOXS OF NEW SOIL TYPES. 

lighter color. Variable quantities of fine gravel occur in soil and 
subsoil. The type occupies terraces lying above overflow along 
streams, and the topography is level to slightly undulating. The 
soil is easily cultivated and is well adapted to corn, grain, and grass 
crops, and to pear and apple orchards where suitably located. (Erie 
County. Pa.) 

SILTY CLAY LOAMS. 

Clyde silty clay loam. — This type is composed of a dark-brown to 
black silty clay loam, ranging from G to 10 inches in depth, underlain 
by a drab or gray usually mottled clay subsoil. The topography is 
level and the drainage is naturally poor, so that ditching is necessary 
before crops can be profitably grown. AAHien reclaimed the type is 
strong and productive and good yields of corn and general farm crops 
are secured. Such crops as cabbages and onions are also very well 
suited to this type. Timothy and redtop produce from 1 to 2^ tons 
per acre on reclaimed land. (Waukesha County, Wis.) 

Liringston s'dty day loam. — The soil of this type is a brown to 
light-broAvn heavy loam or silty clay loam, about 10 inches deep. 
The subsoil consists of a dense silt}^ clay loam or clay of mottled gray 
color. The topography is nearly level to gently undulating and the 
natural drainage is inadequate both on account of the unfavorable 
surface topography and the impervious nature of the subsoil. The 
principal forest growth consists of different species of oaks, hickory, 
and some elm. When well drained the type is adapted to corn, wheat, 
beans, and hay. (Ontario County, X. Y.) 

LIMESTONE VALLEYS AND ITPLANDS PROVINCE. 
SILT LOAMS. 

Broohe silt loam. — The surface soil is a light-brown mellow silt 
loam, 8 to 10 inches deep. The subsoil is a heavy tenacious clay, rang- 
ing in color from light brown to slightly reddish brown, occasionally 
mottled in the lower portion with grayish colors. The type occupies 
plateau areas, the tops of hills, and ridges. It is a very productive 
soil and is largely under cultivation. Corn yields from GO to 100 
bushels per acre; oats, 30 to GO bushels; Avheat, 18 to 30 bushels; and 
hay, 1^ to 3^ tons. Bluegrass, timothy, and clover thrive. (Wash- 
ington County, Pa.) 

Pocahontas silt loam.- — The surface soil is a yellowish-gray to light- 
brown silt loam of friable structure, Avith a depth of 9 to 12 inches. 
The subsoil is a yellowish silty clay or silty clay loam. The type is 
derived from shales with some included limestone. Its topogTaphy 
is well suited to agriculture. Good yields of Avlieat, corn, cowjDeas. 



LIMESTONE VALLEY, AND UPLANDS. 15 

grass, and cloA'er are secured. AYith proper management alfalfa 
would i^robably do Avell. (Cape Girardeau County, jNIo.) 

The Pocahontas series belongs in the Limestone A-alleys and Up- 
lands province, as follows: On the Murrill leg, coming out directly 
under the description of the subsoil and above the coUuvial sloi)es. 

Tilsit silt loam. — The surface soil of this type is a pale-yellow to 
brownish-yellow silt loam. The upj^er 2 or ?> inches may have a 
gray color. The soil diifers from the Hagerstown silt loam in being 
yellow" rather than brown. There is present occasionally consider- 
able quantities of fine and ^■ery fine sand. The subsoil is like the 
soil, a pale yellow to brownish-yellow soil, Avith a faint reddish tinge. 
At depths ranging from 10 to 24 inches the subsoil is slightly heavier 
than the soil and often has a somewhat lighter color. Below 24 
inches the subsoil is mottled yellow, gray, and brown. It is derived 
from a fine-grained sandstone lying between beds of limestone in the 
Limestone Valleys and Uplands province. It is influenced more or 
less by material from the limestone. (Cape Girardeau County, Mo.) 

The Tilsit series belongs in the key of soils to the Limestone Val- 
leys and Uplands province on the Coll)ert leg, under limestone and 
sandstone, as follows: Brownish-yellow to gray soil — Brownish- 
yellow subsoil — Deep subsoil mottled yellow, brown, and gray — 
Tilsit. 

SILTY CLAY LOAMS. 

Colhert s'dty clay loam. — The surface soil is a grayish compact 
heavy silt loam to silty clay loam having an average depth of about 
5 inches. The subsoil in the upper part is yelloAv heavy silty clay 
loam. This usually grades into plastic silty clay, the lower subsoil 
frequently being quite sticky and tenacious. The type is derived 
from pure limestone, or limestone including some sandstone. The 
topography varies from flat to gently undulating. Drainage is im- 
perfectly established. The characteristic forest consists of red oak, 
post oak, blackjack oak, hickory, pine, and elm. The type is adai)ted 
to shallow-rooted crops, such as wheat and grasses. (Walker 
County, Ga.) 

CLAYS. 

Pennington clay. — This type consists of a yellow to light-brown 
clay of variable depth, resting on a subsoil of tough yellowish clay 
mottled with light ])lue. A thin covering of coUuvial material is 
encountered in places. At present none of the type is used for agri- 
culture. Throughout most of the year the soil is soggy from accu- 
mulation of seepage Avaters. It requires artificial drainage before 
any crops can be grown. (IJockcastle County, Ky.) 

The position of the Pennington soils in the key to the Limestone 
Valleys and Uplands province is as follows : Attached to '* limestone 



16 DESCRIPTIONS OK NEW SOIL TYPES. 

and shale " lo<>\ above '' biowii soil." Yellow soil — Stiff clay subsoil, 
mottled yellow and blue. 

ColheH stony day. — The surface soil is a gi'ay to grayish-brown 
compact silty clay loam to silty clay, 4 to 6 inches in depth. The 
subsoil is very plastic, tenacious, sticky, yellow clay. Ledges and 
fragments of the limestone from which the type is derived are of 
very common occurrence. The type forms fiat to undulating valley 
lands and some lower slopes bounding escarpments. Oak, cedar, and 
hickory constitute the principal forest growth. This is a very diffi- 
cult soil to plow. It is best suited to the production of grass for hay 
or ijasturage. (Walker County, Ga.) 

APPALACHIAN MOUNTAINS AND PLATEAUS PROVINCE. 
FINE SANDY LOAMS. 

Allen fine sandy loam. — The surface soil is a brown to reddish- 
brown fine sandy loam, from 6 to 8 inches deep. The subsoil is 
reddish-brown to red compact heavy fine sandy loam. Rounded 
sandstone fragments are more or less abundant on the surface and are 
occasionally encountered in the soil. The type occupies level to slop- 
ing situations about the mouth of gorges. The soil consists of De- 
catur material mixed with Dekalb material washed from adjacent 
higher lands. The drainage is well established. Cotton, corn, oats, 
cowpeas, and sorghum give good results. (Walker County, Ga.) 

The place of the Allen series in the key to soils of the Appalachian 
Mountains and Plateaus province is as a separate leg headed : Sand- 
stone, shale, and limestone — Brown soil, red subsoil, mixed Dekalb 
and Decatur material. 

Westmoreland fine sandy lomn. — The siu'face soil is a brown to 
yellowish-brown fine sandy loam, averaging about 8 inches in depth. 
The subsoil is a lighter-colored heavy fine sandy loam to fine sandy 
silt loam or silty clay loam. The type occupies high plateau areas, 
mainly where the drainage is good to excessive. It is derived from 
fine-grained micaceous sandstone and is influenced to a variable 
degree by limestone material from associated limestones. It is a 
very good general farming soil, producing from 25 to 50 bushels of 
corn, 20 to 40 bushels of oats, and 10 to 15 bushels of wheat per acre. 
Grass gives only moderate yields. Vegetables do well. (Washington 
County, Pa.) 

The position of the Westmoreland series in the key to the soils of 
the Appalachian Mountains and Plateaus province is attached to the 
Conasauga pendant, under the heading: " Shale and sandstone with 
some interbedded limestone " — Brown soil — Yellow friable subsoil — 
Sloping to rolling topography. 



APPALACHIAN MOUNTAINS AND PLATEAUS. 17 



Conasauga loam.. — This type consists of a light-brown silty loam, 
underlain at 12 to 15 inches by yellow silty clay loam to silty clay. 
It forms gently rolling valley lands. It is derived from interbedded 
fine-grained sandstone, shale, and siliceous limestone. It gives very 
fair yields of cotton, corn, oats, wheat, and forage crops. (Walker 
County, Ga.) 

Lid-dale shale loam-. — The surface soil is a gray to light-brown 
silt loam, averaging about G inches in depth. The subsoil is a j^ellow 
silty clay, mottled with gray and dull-bluish colors in the lower por- 
tion. At depths from 12 to 24 inches the parent shale rock is en- 
countered. Fragments of gi'ay, olive, bluish, and brown shale are 
scattered plentifully over the surface and throughout the soil mass. 
The type occupies lower slopes, usually bordering stream bottom or 
terrace soils. It is kept in a soggy condition by seepage a good part 
of the year. On the other hand, it is subject to excessive drainage 
in dry periods. Chestnut, oak, hickory, and pine constitute the 
principal tree growth. Little of the type is used for agriculture. 
Grasses, such as redtop and meadow fescue and Japan clover, d.o 
well. (Rockcastle County, Ky.) 

SILT LOAMS. 

All is mlt loam. — The surface soil of the Allis silt loam consists of 
8 to 10 inches of light-brown to gray silt loam, containing small 
quantities of rounded gravel and soft shale fragments. This overlies 
a subsoil of gray sticky silty loam or clay loam. The surface soil is 
friable and cultivation is carried on wnthout much difficulty. The 
topography is level to undulating, though drainage is usually poor 
on account of the heavy character of the subsoil. The soil of this 
type is derived from the intermixture of glacial material of foreign 
origin with residual material formed through weathering from the 
soft Salina shales. Most of the previously existing glacial drift has 
been removed through glacial stream erosion. The type is adapted 
to the production of corn, oats, wheat, and hay, good yields being 
secured. (Ontario County, N. Y.) 

Conasauga silt loam. — This type consists of a light-brown silt loam 
underlain by a yellow silty clay loam to silty clay. It occurs as 
level to gently rolling valley lands. The type is derived from the 
Conasauga formation or from similar rocks. Under proper man- 
agement good yields of corn, oats, wdieat, grass, and forage crops are 
secured. Cotton also does fairly well. (Walker County, Ga.) 

Westmoreland silt loa^n. — The surface soil is a grayish-brown to 
brown mellow silt loam, 7 to 12 inches deep. The subsoil is yellow- 



18 DESCRIPTIONS OF NKW SOIL TYPES. 

isli-brown to yellow silty clay loam to silty clay, usually becoming 
heavier in texture and lighter in color with increasing depth. The 
type is derived from shales and fine-grained sandstone, with inter- 
bedded limestone and calcareous shales. The topography ranges 
from rolling to quite steep, many areas being so steep as to erode if 
cultivated. In the main the soil has excellent drainage. It is, 
though, sufficiently retentive of moisture. The principal trees in 
forested areas are oak, hickory, locust, black gum, maple, and beech. 
This type is admirably suited to the production of corn, oats, Avheat, 
grass, potatoes, apples, peaches, plums, cherries, and berries. (Wash- 
ington County, Pa.) 

SILTY CLAY LOAMS. 

Aivnvchee silty day loanv. — This type consists of a brown to red- 
dish-brown silty clay loam, 4 to G inches deep, resting on a red silty 
clay. The type occupies moderately rolling valley lands and is 
derived from interbedded fine-grained sandstone, shales, and lime- 
stones. It is very well suited to corn, grain, and forage crops. 
(Walker County, Ga.) 

The position of Armuchee series in the key to the Appalachian 
Mountains and Plateaus province is as a leg attached to the Cona- 
sauga leg under " Shale and sandstone with some interbedded lime- 
stone,'"' Brown soil — Red subsoil. 

Dekalb silty clay loam. — The surface soil of this type is a light- 
])rown to yellowish-brown heavy silt loam to silty clay loam, 4 to 8 
inches deep. The subsoil is a compact, brittle, yellow silty clay 
loam to silty clay. On the steeper slopes fragments of the fine- 
grained sandstone and shale from which the type is derived are of 
common occurrence. The type occupies gentle to steep slopes, the 
crests of ridges, and the tops of hills. Grass gives onl}'' moderate 
returns. Corn and small grains do fairly well, as do also certain 
varieties of apples. (Clarksburg area. West Virginia.) 

Upshtir silty clay loam. — The surface soil is a grayish-brown to 
light-red silty clay loam, 8 to 12 inches deep. The subsoil is a heavy 
red silty clay loam to silty clay, which at a depth of about 24 inches 
changes into an Indian-red heavy, plastic clay. ^Vliile the surface 
color is often grayish the subsoil has the typical red of the Upshur 
series. The type is developed mainly on comparatively low hills, 
the topography being somewhat less rolling than that of the Upshur 
clay. The type is derived from red shales and fine-grained sand- 
stone, with some gray shales. It is well suited to apples, bluegrass, 
corn, and wheat. Yields are not quite so heavy as those secured from 
the Upshur clay, but are considerably better than those from the 
Dekalb silt loam. A number of vegetables can be grown with fair 
success. (Point Pleasant area, West Virginia.) 



APPALACHIAN MOUNTAINS AND PLATEAUS. 19 

Westfnoreland silty clay loam. — The surface soil is a grayish-brown 
to light-brown silty clay loam, 4 to 10 inches deep. The upper 
subsoil is a yellow silty clay loam. This quickly gradas into yellow 
silty clay, somewdiat sticky and plastic. Sometimes the lower sub- 
soil has an olive green color, especially close to the underlying lime- 
stone. Where the type overlies limestone the texture averages 
heavier, those areas derived mainly from the limestone and not 
markedly influenced by material from the associated shales and sand- 
stones really representing local developments of Brooke silty clay 
loam. The typical soil is derived from interbedded, fine-gi-ained 
sandstone, shale, and limestone. It occupies principally smooth 
slopes and has excellent drainage. The type is a very valuable soil, 
being suited to corn, small grains, bluegrass, timothy, and clover. 
Much of it is used for bluegrass pastures, and affords excellent graz- 
ing. (Clarksburg area, West Virginia.) 

SUBORDINATE TYPES. 

Dekalb loam;/ sand. — This type consists of a light-brown loamy 
sand, underlain to an average depth of 8 inches by pale yellow loamy 
sand, where it changes to a light sandy loam, becoming coarser with 
increase in depth. Areas of this type are developed on or near the 
crest of ridges. These are excessively drained. The type is de- 
rived from coarse-grained sandstone. Where liberal quantities of 
vegetable matter are incorporated with the soil and moderate appli- 
cations of fertilizers are made, fair yields of corn, wheat, oats, rye, 
and a number of vegetables are secured. (Point Pleasant area, West 
Virginia.) 

Ilanceville stony loam. — The surface soil is a light-brown to red- 
dish-brown heavy fine sandy loam to light loam, 8 to 10 inches deep. 
The subsoil is a red clay loam or fine sandy loam of friable structure. 
Fragments of ferruginous red sandstone are so abundant as to inter- 
fere materially with cultivation. The type is confined mainly to 
slopes. It is derived from ferruginous sandstone. It is best suited 
to forestry. (Walker County, Ga.) 

Westfnoreland stony loaui. — The surface soil is a light-brown silt 
loam to silty loam, about 10 inches deep. The subsoil is lighter in 
color than the soil, and contains a higher percentage of clay. It 
grades into a silty clay loam, which rests upon rock at about 2 to 3 
feet. Small sandstone fragments are present in the soil in sufficient 
quantities to interfere with cultivation. The type occupies the crests 
of hills, narrow ridges, and steep slopes, where erosion is often de- 
structive. Drainage is good to excessive. Peaches give good results. 
Where the surface admits of proper cultivation, corn yields from oO 
to 80 bushels per acre; wheat, 12 to 25 bushels; oats, 20 to 40 bushels; 



20 DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SOIL TYPES. 

and hay, 1 ton to '2 tons. In dry .seasf)ns the yields are considerably 
reduced. (Washing-ton County, Pa.) 

RIVER P^LOOD PLAINS PROVINCE. 



Cahaha saniL — The surface soil is a light-brown to brown rather 
loamy sand. The subsoil is a light-brown or yellowish-brown loamy 
sand, the content of silt and clay increasing with depth. The loAver 
subsoil frequently has a reddish tinge. Below 36 inches the material 
becomes a reddish-brown sandy loam, sometimes grading into a sandy 
clay and having characteristics similar to those of the Orangeburg 
subsoil. The type occui)ies comparatively high terraces and has an 
undulating surface. Drainage is for the most part good. This is a 
productive soil, giving, under good management, as much as 1 bale 
of cotton per acre. Corn, forage, oats, and a number of vegetables 
do Avell. (Pike County, Ala.) 

Sarpy sand. — This type consists of a brownish-yellow to yellowish- 
brown light sandy loam to rather loose sand, about 4 to 8 inches deep, 
underlain by a loose sand, faintly mottled with shades of yellow and 
brow^n. In typical areas the sand continues to a depth of 3 feet or 
more, but in some cases a silty clay loam or clay is encountered in the 
lower part of the profile. This soil also occurs in a mixed phase wdth 
the Sharkey soils. Such " mixed land " is characterized by hum- 
mocks or small mounds of sand ("sand blows'') of Sarpy sand and 
intervening depressions of Sharkey soils, so intermingled that separa- 
tion is impracticable. The hummocks are more or less rounded in 
shape and range from 8 to 15 inches above the bottoms of the depres- 
sions. Between the typical Sharkey clay in the center of the de- 
pressions and the typical Sarpy sand in the center of the mounds 
there are frequently gradational types or phases of these soils. The 
uneven surface of such areas interferes with cultivation, but never- 
theless they are used for farming. The typical Sarpy sand is of 
rather low agricultural value, being deficient in humus and irre- 
tentive of moisture. By keeping the soil liberally supplied Avith 
organic matter and with liberal applications of fertilizers good crops 
of melons, sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes, and a number of vegetables 
can be secured. AVhere the depth to clay is 3 feet or more the general 
farm crops ordinarily give poor results. (Pemiscot County, Mo.) 

FINE SANDS. 

Sarpy -fine sand. — This type consists of light-brown to grayish- 
brown fine sand, sometimes containing minute mica flakes, resting on 
a subsoil of yellowish-brown fine sand, in places faintly mottled with 
shades of brown. The type is developed on natural levees along 



RIVER FLOOD PLAINS. 21 

stream courses and ba^^ous. It is hiofhest nearest the stream front, 
sloping gradually aAva}^ to blend with heavier types. Cotton, corn, 
oats, cowpeas, and a number of vegetables do fairly well, especially 
where the organic-matter content is maintained and the soil occasion- 
ally manured or fertilized. (Jackson County, Mo.) 

SANDY LOAMS. 

Bibh sanily Joam. — This type consists of nearly white to ashy gray 
moderately coarse sand, underlain by somewhat i)lastic sandy clay of 
a grayish color, frecjuently mottled with yellov\-ish. It occupies first 
bottoms of streams. It is subject to frequent overflow and is poorly 
drained. Grasses give better results than other crops. (Pike 
County, Ala.) 

St. Catherine sandy loam. — This type to a depth of about 10 inches 
consists of a medium to rather fine sandy loam or sand of a yelloAv- 
ish color. Below this depth the subsoil consists of about the same 
material, though occasionally grading into sticky sandy loam at 30 
inches. Gravel is present usually in both soil and subsoil. The type 
occurs along the foot of loess bluffs as narrow strips having a slight 
slope toward the contiguous true alluvium. It is derived from wash 
from the Lafayette and Port Hudson formations and includes very 
little loess. The soil is inclined to be droughty. Early vegetables are 
the best crops to grow. (Adams County, Miss.) 

The proper place for the St. Catherine series in the key to the 
River Flood Plains province is under the heading, " Coastal Plain 
material," attached to the " Drainage well established " leg as fol- 
lows: Yellow^ soil — Yellow subsoil — Outwash from Lafayette and 
Port Hudson lying under loess. 

Genesee sniuhj loam. — This type consists of a yellowish-brown 
sandy loam, about 9 inches deep, overlying a light-brown or yellow- 
ish sandy loam subsoil. Stratified sand and fine gravel not infre- 
quently appear in the subsoil and sometimes extend to the surface. 
The type usually occupies level areas in the first bottoms of streams 
and is subject to more or less overflow. It is easily cultivated, and 
adapted to corn, oats, hay, and potatoes. (Erie County, Pa.) 

FINK SANDY LOAMS. 

B/'bb fine sandy loam. — This type consists of a light-gra}'' fine 
sandy loam, underlain by gray fine sandy clay mottled with yellow. 
It represents first bottom alluvial material derived principally from 
noncalcareous Coastal Plain soils. It is subject to frequent overflow. 
Drainage and applications of lime are needed to bring the land into 
proper farming condition. A number of wild grasses and lespedeza 
flourish, affording good pasturage. (Lauderdale and Noxubee Coun- 
ties, Miss.) 



22 DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SOII^ TYPES. 

Miller veryfine sandy loam, — The surf ace soil consists of a pinkish- 
red or chocolate-red friable very fine sandy loam, with a depth of 20 
to 30 inches or more. The subsoil may consist of darker colored 
material or there may be very little change in the material from the 
surface downward throughout the 3-foot profile. Cotton, corn, and 
alfalfa should do well. (Concordia Parish, La.) 

Wabash very fine sandy loam. — This type consists of a nearly 
black or black friable very fine sandy loam, rich in organic matter, 
overlying, at a depth of about 18 or 20 inches, lighter colored and 
somewhat heavier material. It mellows readily with little tendency 
to clod and is a desirable, productive soil, adapted to vegetables like 
cabbage, onions, and potatoes. Corn and oats should give fair 
yields. (Concordia Parish, La.) 

Yazoo very fine sandy loam. — The surface soil is a light-brown or 
grayish-brown, rather loose, very fine sandy loam, ranging in depth 
from about 8 inches to 20 inches. The subsoil is a brown or light- 
brown very fine sandy loam, more or less mottled with rusty brown. 
The type is typically and mainly developed along river fronts, where 
it occupies well-drained natural levees. It is easily tilled, but re- 
quires frequent replenishment of organic matter in order to supply 
crops with sufficient moisture during dry spells. A number of vege- 
tables do well. Corn and cotton make fair yields. (Concordia 
Parish, La.) 



Buckner loam. — The surface soil is a dark-brown to nearly black 
loam, 12 to 15 inches deep. The subsoil is brown but lighter in color 
than the surface soil. It is also often lighter in texture than the soil. 
The type is developed on terraces of flat-topped ridges and is essen- 
tially a second bottom soil. It is well suited to cotton, corn, grain, 
and forage crops. (Jackson County, Mo.) 

The position of the Buckner series in the key to River Flood 
Plains province is under the head " Loessial material " — " Drainage 
well established" as a separate leg, as: Black soil — Brown subsoil — 
Second bottom. 

SILT LOAMS. 

AltaVista silt loam.- — This type consists of a gray to yellow com- 
pact silt loam to silty clay loam, underlain by a compact yellow silty 
clay, mottled slightly in the upper portion with red and in the lower 
portion with gray. The type is alluvial in origin and occupies well- 
defined terraces lying above normal overflow. Drainage is needed 
over most of the type, as the flat surface favors the standing of rain 
water. Properly drained, fertilized, and cultivated, good yields of 
grass, corn, wheat, and oats are secured. (Granville County, X. C.) 



KIVER FLOOD PLAINS. 23 

Buxin silt loam. — The type represents a shallow covering of red- 
dish silt loam of Miller material overlying stitf, plastic, mottled 
drab, bluish, and brown clay of Sharkey material. With reclama- 
tion it should prove a very fine soil for corn, cotton, and probably 
for alfalfa. (Concordia Parish, La.) 

The position of the Buxin series in the key to River Flood Plains 
province soils is under the heading " Residual Prairie material," at- 
tached to the "Drainage poorly established'' leg as follows: Red 
soil (Miller material) — Mottled drab, bluish, and brownish plastic 
subsoil (Sharkey material). 

CoiKjdi'ee silt loam. — The surface soil is a lirown, reddish-brown, 
or chocolate-brown silt loam. The subsoil ditl'ers little from the 
soil until a depth of about '24 inches is reached, where it usually is 
a friable brown silt loam of somewdiat lighter color and more or less 
mottled with shades of brown. Strata or pockets of sandy material 
are frequently encountered in various parts of th.e soil section. The 
type is a first-bottom, alluvial soil and subject to overflow. It is 
admiral)ly adapted to corn, oats, forage crops, and grass. Cotton 
also does well under favorable seasonal conditions. (Granville 
County, N. C.) 

Elk silt loam. — This type consists of a grayish to light-brown silt 
loam soil, (5 to 12 inches deep, underlain by a compact silt loam sub- 
soil of a lighter color tlian the surface. In the lower portion, where 
the texture is usually a silty clay, the material is sometimes faintly 
mottled with yellowish and grayish colors. At about 4 feet gravelly 
material is frequently encountered. The type occurs on second ter- 
races lying largely above overflow. The surface is sometimes flat 
and drainage poor. Much of the type should be ditched or tiled. 
Corn, with the usual methods of culture, 3'ields from 15 to 30 bushels, 
wheat 10 to 15 bushels, oats 15 to 25 bushels, and hay 1 ton to 1^ 
tons per acre. (Rockcastle County, Ky. ; Cape Girardeau County, 
Mo.; Washington County, Pa.; and Clarksburg area, AVest Virginia.) 

Holly silt loam. — The surface soil is a gray to light-brown silt 
loam, () to 8 inches deep. The subsoil is a compact gray silt loam, 
mottled with yellow and brown, the lower portion being more in- 
tensely mottled, bluish and drab colors being frequently prominent. 
The type is rather clammy and cold-natured, remaining in a soggy 
condition throughout a good part of the year. It occurs in the first 
bottom of streams and is subject to frequent overflow. Grass, espe- 
cially redtop and a number of wild water-loving varieties, atford 
good grazing and make fair yields of hay. Corn and oats do well 
in seasons of normal rainfall, especially wher^e the drainage has been 
improved by ditching or tiling. (Walker County, Ga. ; Rockcastle 
County, Ky. ; and Cape Girardeau County, Mo.) 



24 DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SOIL TYPES. 

CLAY LOAMS. 

Sharkey day loam,. — The surface soil varies from dark-brown 
heavy loam to light-brown or grayish-brown light clay loam. The 
subsoil is a plastic clay loam or clay mottled drab, bluish, and rusty 
brown. The type represents in places a gradational soil between the 
Yazoo or higher lying and lighter textured river front soils and the 
heavy Sharkey clay. The topography ranges from flat to slightly 
ridgy, being cut in places by old stream channels. The type is well 
adapted to corn, cotton, sugar cane, and rice. (Adams County, 
Miss.) 

Congaree silty clay loam. — This type is composed of a brown to 
reddish-brown silty clay loam soil, underlain by a subsoil slightly 
lighter in color but very nearly the same in texture, except in occa- 
sional strata of sandy material, encountered especially in its lower 
portion. Particles of mica are frequently present throughout the 
soil mass. The type occupies first bottoms of streams, and consists 
of alluvial material derived mainly from the Piedmont. It is sub- 
ject to overflow. A considerable proportion of the type can be suc- 
cessfully used for corn, grass, oats, and forage crops, overflow not 
being frequent enough to make this unprofitable. Other areas may 
be reclaimed. (Cabarrus County, N. C.) 

Genesee silty clay loam. — This type is characterized by brown or 
grayish silty clay loam soil, averaging about 8 inches deep, under- 
hiin by drab, brown, or reddish-brown, mottled, compact clay. The 
topography is level, the areas occupying first bottoms along streams, 
where the materials have been deposited by comparatively recent 
overflows. The surface drainage and underdrainage are both poor. 
When drained the type is very well adapted to the grasses and to 
corn, oats, and wheat. The native trees are chiefly elm and soft 
maple. (Ontario and Erie Counties, N. Y.) 

Sarjry silty clay loam. — The soil is a brown or dark-brown silty 
clay loam, with an average depth of 15 inches. The subsoil is a light- 
brown very fine sandy loam, usually mottled faintly with rusty brown 
or yelloAv. The type is developed typically in positions intermediate 
between the higher front-land Yazoo soils and the lower heavier 
Sharkey soils or upon slight ridges. It has very fair natural drain- 
age, owing to its light subsoil and slightly elevated position. The 
type owes its origin to deposition of silty clay loam over the lighter 
textured material of old sandbars or sandy front lands. Cotton, 
corn, and oats give fair yields. Alfalfa should do well. (Concordia 
Parish, La., and Pemiscot County, Mo.) 

Sharkey silty clay loam-. — The surface soil consists of 10 or 12 
inches of light-brown or brown heavy silt loam to silty clay loam, 



EWER FLOOD PLAINS, 25 

often slightly mottled witli rusty brown. The subsoil ranges from 
heavy very fine sandy loam through silt loam to silty clay loam, and 
usually has a light-brown color, mottled with drab and nisty brown 
and in places with bluish-gray. Fairly good yields of corn and cot- 
ton are secured. Protected from overflow and properly cultivated, 
heavy j^ields of a number of crops would be secured. Cabbage, grass, 
and rice should do well. (Adams County, Miss., and Pemiscot 
County, Mo.) 

Tyler silty clay loa.Trh. — This type consists of a gray to grayish- 
brown compact silty clay loam, underlain at about 10 to 12 inches 
by a rather plastic silty clay of grayish-brown or pale-yellow color, 
sometimes mottled with gray in the lower portion. The material 
represents old alluvium occurring on second terraces and in some 
cases in abandoned stream valleys. The type is sometimes called 
" crawfish " land. It is a rather clannny, cold-natured soil of mod- 
erate productiveness. The type is best suited to grass. With liming. 
liberal incorporation of vegetable matter, and the establishment of 
good drainage conditions, general farm crops, such as corn, wheat, 
and oats would give moderate to good yields. (Point Pleasant area. 
West Virginia.) 

Yazoo silty clay loam. — The surface soil is a brown silty clay 
loam, with an average depth of 18 inches. The subsoil is a light- 
brown very fine sandy loam to silty clay loam, mottled with rusty 
brown, yellowish, and sometimes bluish colors. The type occupies 
an intermediate position between the sandier Yazoo front lands 
and the heavy Sharkey clay of the loAver back lands of the Mississippi 
flood plains. Owing to its position and the sandy or fine sand}' tex- 
ture in many areas, it usually has good drainage. Where the subsoil 
is heavier ditches or tile drains are necessary. The type gives good 
yields of corn, oats, and cotton. (Concordia Parish. La.) 



Kalmia clay. — This type of soil consists of a thin mantle of gray- 
ish or yellowish compact very fine sandy loam to silty loam, resting 
upon yellow very fine sandy to silty clay, which in the lower portion 
is mottled with grayish and reddish colors. It occupies second ter- 
races of streams and lies above ovei'flow. The type is rather difficult 
to cultivate, but when brought into good tilth gives fair yields of 
oats, corn, cotton, and forage crops. (Clarendon County, S. C.) 

Sarpy clay. — The surface soil consists of a yellowish-browm to 
grayish-brown, or sometimes drab, heavy compact silty clay, ranging 
from about 15 to 24 inches in depth. The subsoil is a silt loam to 
verv' fine sandy loam of a friable stnicture. Rusty-brown and drab 



26 DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SOIL TYPES. 

mottlings are common in the surface soil and subsoil. The type is 
developed in depressions and flat areas in the river bottoms. Corn 
is grown with success on this soil where drained, giving yields of 
50 to 75 bushels per acre. On thoroughly drained areas alfalfa 
would probably do well. (Pemiscot County, Mo.) 

Yazoo clay. — The surface soil to a depth of 20 inches is a brownish 
clay, faintly mottled with grayish, reddish, or rusty brown. The 
subsoil is a dark-drab or gray very fine sandy loam to silty clay loam, 
mottled with brown or rusty-brown. The surface is usually level or 
gently sloping. Notwithstanding the light textured subsoil, ditches 
are usually needed to carry off the surplus water after heavy rains. 
Fine yields of corn, cotton, and rice are secured. Sugar cane and 
alfalfa should do well. (Concordia Parish, La.) 



INDEX 



Name. 



Alamance silt loam 

Alamance slate loam 

Allen fine sandy loam 

Allis silt loam 

AltaVista silt loam 

Armuchee Bilty clay loam 

Bibb fine sandy loam 

Bibb sandy loam 

Bienville fine sand 

Brooke silt loam . , 

Buckner loam 

Buxin silt loam 

Cahaba sand 

Chenango loam 

Chenango sandy loam 

(jhenango silt loam 

Clyde silty clay loam 

Colbert silty clay loam 

Colbert stony clay 

Conasauga loam 

( "onasauga silt loam 

Congaree silt loam 

Congaree silty clay loam 

Dekalb loamy sand 

Dekalb silty clay loam 

Durant clay 

Durant very fine sandy loam . 

Durham fine sandy loam 

Elk silt loam 

Ellis clay 

Farmington loam 

Genesee sandy loam 

Genesee silty clay loam 

Georgeville silt loam 

Granville coarse sandy loam. . . 
Greenville gravelly clay loam . 

Greenville coarse sand 

Greenville coarse sandy loam. . 

Hanceville stony loam 

Henderson stony clay 

Hoffman coarse sandy loam... 

Hoffman fine sandy loam 

Holly silt loam 

Houston stony clay 

Iredell loam 

Iredell stony loam 

Kalmia clay 

Lauderdale stony clay 

Lickdale shale loam 

Livingston silty clay loam . . . . 



Soil ])rovince. 



Piedmont 

....do 

Appalachian 

....do 

River Flood Plain. . 

Appalachian 

River Flood Plain . . 

....do 

Coastal Plains 

Limestone 

River Flood Plain. . 

do 

do 

Glacial Lake 

do 

do 

do 

Limestone 

do 

Appalachian 

do 

River Flood Plain. . 

do 

A])palachian 

do 

Coastal Plains 

do 

Piedmont 

River Flood Plain. . 

Coastal Plains 

Glacial and Loessial. 
River Flood Plain. . 

do 

Piedmont 

Jo 

Coastal Plains 

do 

do 



Appalachian 

Coastal Plains 

do 

do 

River Flood Plain. 

Coastal Plains 

Piedmont 

do 

River Flood Plain . 

Coastal Plains 

Appalachian 

Glacial Lake 



Page. 



8 

9 

16 

17 

22 

18 

21 

21 

2 

14 

22 

23 

20 

13 

13 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

17 

23 

24 

19 

18 

5 

4 

7 

23 

5 

11 

21 

24 

9 

10 

4 

7 

3 

19 

5 

3 

3 

23 

6 

8 

10 
25 
6 
17 
14 



27 



28 



INDEX. 



Nanio 



Mecklenburg day loam 

Mecklenburg loam 

Mecklenburg sandy loam 

Miami gravel 

Miami gravelly sandy loam . . . . 

Miami sand 

Miller very fine sandy loam. . . . 

Pennington clay 

Pheba clay 

Pheba fine sandy loam 

Plainfield fine sandy loam 

Plainfield loam 

Plainfield sandy loam 

Plainfield silt loam 

Plummer fine sandy loam 

Pocahontas silt loam 

Ruston sandy loam 

Ruston silt loam 

St. Catherine sandy loam 

Sarpy clay 

Sarpy fine sand 

Sarpy sand 

Sarpy silty clay loam 

Scran ton loamy sand 

Scran ton sand 

Sharkey clay loam 

Sharkey silty clay loam 

Sumter stony sandy loam 

Susquehanna fine sand 

Susquehanna stony sandy loam. 

Tilsit silt loam 

Tyler silty clay loam 

Upshur siity clay loam 

Wabash very fine sandy loam. . 

Waukesha gravelly loam 

Westmoreland fine sandy loam. 

Westmoreland silt loam 

Westmoreland silty clay loam. . 

Westmoreland stony loam 

Yazoo clay 

Yazoo silty clay loam 

Yazoo very fine sandy loam 



Soil province. 



Piedmont 

....do 

....do 

Glacial and Loessial . 

....do 

....do 

River Flood Plain . . . 

Limestone 

Coastal Plains 

....do 

Glacial and Loessial . 

....do 

do 

....do 

Coastal Plains 

Limestone 

Coastal Plains 

....do 

River Flood Plain . . . 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

Coastal Plains 

....do 

River Flood Plain. . . 

do..... 

Coastal Plains 

do 

do 

Limestone , 

River Flood Plain. . , 

Appalachian 

River Flood Plain. . 
Glacial and Loessial . 

Appalachian 

do 

do 

do 

River Flood Plain. . 

do 

do 



Page. 



7 

12 

13 

11 

22 

15 

5 

3 

11 

12 

11 

12 

4 

14 

2 

4 

21 

25 

20 

20 

24 

2 

1 

24 

24 

6 

2 

7 

15 
25 
18 
22 
13 
16 
17 
19 
19 
26 
25 
22 



o 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



001 437 873 P 



